“I had no direction in my life whatsoever when I came here… Now I want to go back to school to become an addiction therapist, so that I can be part of other people’s recovery and a positive force in their life like the staff at Beaches was for me.”

Withdrawal from Oxycontin

While Oxycontin is frequently prescribed for pain relief, this medication can become addictive over time. There are an estimated 2.1 million Americans who suffer from an addiction to opioids. When they try to quit, they may go through withdrawal from Oxycontin.

A Growing Problem

Oxycontin addiction is a problem throughout the nation. Thousands of doses of Oxycontin are handed out at pain clinics every day. It seems to be the drug of choice for the medical community when addressing injury or post-surgery pain. It works well for many but many others become addicted.

Going Through Withdrawal From Oxycontin

Once addicted, the body becomes accustomed to having the drug present. If the drug is discontinued abruptly, withdrawal from Oxycontin begins right away. When this happens, the individual may go through physical and psychological symptoms. These drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to manage, so it is important that individuals seek medical treatment as they go through withdrawal from Oxycontin.

The Symptoms of Withdrawal From Oxycontin

The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on how much the user used, the method of using and how long they took the drug. Oxycontin generally has a higher level of oxycodone than a tablet of Percocet, so withdrawal symptoms can be significant. Individuals may experience symptoms like:

Changes in appetite

Muscle aches

Runny nose

Stomach cramping

Diarrhea

Tremors

Dilated pupils

Yawning

Irregular heart beats

Goosebumps

Vomiting

Nausea

Chills or sweating

A rise in blood pressure

Fatigue

Insomnia

The Psychological Symptoms of Withdrawal From Oxycontin

In addition to physical symptoms, patients may also experience psychological symptoms as they go through withdrawal from Oxycontin. While these symptoms are rarely life-threatening, they are often uncomfortable to deal with. Individuals may experience mood swings, agitation, problems concentrating, and anger. They may have drug cravings, irritability, anxiety or depression.

The Timeline of Withdrawal Symptoms

Each person and addiction is different, so the timeline for withdrawal symptoms can vary. Normally, withdrawal begins within a few hours after Oxycontin leaves the body. Since Oxycontin has a half-life of 12 hours, it can take up to 24 hours for the last remnants of the chemical to be gone. When this happens, individuals may start to experience withdrawal symptoms.

Early withdrawal symptoms tend to be more physical and last for the first few days. Between the first and third day after quitting, withdrawal symptoms will tend to peak. The emotional and psychological withdrawal symptoms can continue for several weeks after quitting. With time, the mind and body can start to heal.

Can Someone Quit Cold Turkey?

While it is possible to quit cold turkey, it is not a safe option. Oxycontin withdrawal can cause severe, uncomfortable symptoms, so it is important to get help going through the withdrawal process. At a rehab center, patients can get help detoxing from the drug. Once detox is complete, behavioral therapies, holistic treatment options and addiction education can help support the patient’s recovery.

Individuals with an Oxycontin addiction can get help as they go through withdrawal and rehabilitation. At Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville FL, patients can get support with addiction treatment, dual diagnosis treatment and holistic therapies. This treatment center offers extended care, outpatient, primary care and inpatient treatment options for all patients who need help. No one deserves to live with the struggles and pain of an Oxycontin addiction. To verify insurance and find a way out from addiction, contact Beaches Recovery at 866-605-0532. Now is a good time.